Hairstylist-Approved Tips for Growing Out Your Pixie Cut

If you're ready to let your pixie cut grow out, you're not alone. While the idea of longer hair might be appealing, the process to get there can feel challenging. Growing out any short cut can be a bit overwhelming, especially when navigating those awkward in-between stages.

As noted by Amanda Elaine Killen, a professional hairstylist and Amika lead pro educator, hair typically grows about one centimeter per month or around six inches per year. While some individuals may experience faster or slower growth, the key to growing out your pixie cut is embracing the journey and working with your hair through all its transitional phases.

To discover the best ways to grow out your pixie cut without running into awkward hair stages, we consulted with hairstylists for their top tips and strategies. Read on for professional advice that will make your pixie-growing experience smoother.

Keep Your Pixie Shaped Regularly During the Growing Process

Contrary to popular belief, regular trims during the process of growing out your pixie cut will actually make it easier. Sierra Kener, a professional stylist at Nine Zero One salon in Los Angeles, refers to these trims as "shaping appointments." She explains that visiting your stylist to trim dead ends and tidy up the nape area helps minimize those awkward in-between lengths.

Killen agrees with this shaping method, noting, "I like to keep the sides and nape shorter than the top until the top length is long enough to cover and blend with the sides." She continues, "This approach avoids unflattering shapes, and as the top grows longer, it will help weigh down the sides, training the hair into a more manageable style."

Frequent haircuts also help eliminate split ends, which can slow down the growth of long, healthy hair.

Embrace Your Natural Texture

"Texture is the best ally when growing out your hair," says Killen. "Messy, playful styles are perfect for masking the rough edges of the hair's shape and give you more freedom with parting."

She suggests using a texture spray like Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray to create effortless curls and waves, adding movement and helping to hide any visible transition between the sides and the top of the hair.

Experiment with Various Hairstyles

In addition to texturizing, Kener recommends experimenting with different hairstyles. She suggests using accessories like headbands or hair clips, or even trying a slicked-back look to make styling a pixie cut more enjoyable.

Prioritize Scalp Health

Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, says Killen. To promote quicker and healthier growth, she suggests focusing on your scalp during the regrowth phase. "Exfoliating your scalp regularly with a dry brush or a scalp-cleaning product helps clear away buildup and ensures it can properly absorb nutrients."

Kener adds that regular scalp massages can improve circulation and stimulate hair growth. A simple massage can be done by running your fingers through your hair, or for a more luxurious experience, you can use a tool like a gua sha.

Choose a Haircare System Designed for Growth

One of Killen's final pieces of advice is to use hair products that promote hair growth. "Using a haircare system focused on growth, like Amika's 3D Daily Thickening Treatment, which contains redensyl," she says. Redensyl is an ingredient known to reduce hair loss and support hair growth.

Consider trying Nutrafol Growth Activator Hair Serum, a product designed to enhance scalp health and stimulate cell renewal, resulting in thicker and stronger hair.

Maintain a Hair-Healthy Diet

Feeding your hair from within can accelerate its growth and thickness. The nutrients on this list, including lean proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and biotin, offer great benefits for your overall health as well. Foods like yogurt, salmon, and avocado are perfect for helping your pixie cut evolve into a bob more quickly.

Exercise Patience

Hair growth isn't an overnight process. It’s unrealistic to expect to grow your pixie into a chin-length bob in a short time, as most people grow about half an inch per month. Be prepared for several months of patience before your hair reaches the desired length for a new style.